Orderville to Alpine: A Scenic Drive Through Utah and Wyoming

The drive from Orderville, UT to Alpine, WY spans 280 miles of diverse terrain. Orderville was established in 1875 by the United Order, a communal Mormon society, at the base of the Vermilion Cliffs. Alpine sits at the confluence of the Snake and Salt Rivers, a gateway to the Snake River Range.

This route crosses three geographic provinces: the Colorado Plateau, the Great Basin, and the Middle Rocky Mountains. The elevation climbs from 5,400 ft to over 7,000 ft, offering dramatic shifts in landscape.

For more tips on uncovering unique experiences along the way, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The primary route is US-89 north from Orderville to I-70 west, then I-15 north through Salt Lake City, and finally US-26 east to Alpine. Key highways include I-15 (interstate) and US-89 (scenic two-lane).

• Fuel stations are abundant in towns like Richfield, Provo, and Salt Lake City. Expect gaps of 30–40 miles in rural areas.
• Altitude ranges from 4,000 ft in Salt Lake Valley to 7,470 ft at the final approach to Alpine. Check engine performance at higher elevations.
• Average gas price on this corridor is $3.50/gal (2025 estimate). Budget about $35 for a full tank.

Road quality is excellent on interstates, but US-89 north of Orderville has winding sections. Winter conditions from November to March may require chains or 4WD.

Infrastructure safety: I-15 is well-lit with emergency call boxes, while US-89 has limited shoulders. Wildlife (deer, elk) are common near dusk, especially between Salina and Provo.

• Family and child suitability: Parks in Richfield (Sullivan Park) and Salt Lake City (Liberty Park) have playgrounds. The Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City is a great educational stop.
• Pet-friendly framework: Most rest areas allow dogs on leash, and several restaurants in Salt Lake City have pet-friendly patios. Petros, a pet store in Provo, offers pet-sitting services.
• Fatigue management: Rest zones every 30–40 miles on I-15. The best ones are at milepost 75 (near Fillmore) with picnic tables and shade.

Hidden off-route spots: Take a detour on UT-12 from Panguitch through Red Canyon (adds 1 hr) for breathtaking views. Or visit the Fremont Indian State Park near Richfield for petroglyphs.

Starting in the shadow of Zion National Park, the landscape shifts from red rock canyons to the high plateaus of Fishlake National Forest. Near Salina, the San Rafael Swell offers stunning desert vistas.

• Best stops: Red Canyon (milepost 5 on US-89), a miniature Bryce Canyon with hoodoos. Richfield has the Historic Downtown district with local crafts.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on route, but Zion National Park (60 miles south) and Yellowstone (north of Alpine) are within day-trip distance.
• Local cuisine: Try fry bread in Orderville, and the famous pastrami burgers at Crown Burger in Salt Lake City.

As you approach Alpine, the Bear River Range gives way to pine forests and alpine meadows. The Snake River offers fishing and rafting opportunities.

Commerce along the route includes small-town gift shops in Panguitch and artisan cheese producers in Cache Valley. For a deeper cultural immersion, stop at the Woodruff Creek Store in Levan for homemade pies.